Evolution / Genetics / Biology

Late Bronze Age grave of yound girl wearing elaborate diadem found in northern Greece

A rare diadem dated to the Late Bronze Age (1,500-1,200 BC) was brought to light at the ancient Macedonian city of Pydna, Pieria.

The skeleton of the young girl as found during the discovery of the tomb [Credit: Ethnos]

The coronet was unearthed among a trove of other valuable personal items found in the grave of a young girl thought to be between 6-7 years of age.

The diadem, which is comprised of three rows of spherical bronze plates mounted on a perishable material (leather or, more likely, a fabric), was wrapped at least twice around the girl's head.

Archaeologist Konstantinos Noulas said the skeleton of the girl, found in a strongly contacted position in the grave, was adorned with numerous jewels and precious items. Among these was a necklace with glass and carnelian beads, a bracelet, three bronze rings, two bronze girdles or belts, while pottery surrounded the interior of the grave.

The cause of the girl's death is unknown.

The town of Pydna is considered the most significant city in Pieria and one of the most important settlements in Macedonia.

The head archaeologist of the excavations on site, Mattheos Besios said nearly 1,100 graves had been found in the cemetery located outside the north gates of Pydna, dating from the Late Bronze Age till the Hellenistic period, demonstrating the uninterrupted occupation of the site.

"While many of the graves had been disturbed or looted from ancient times, they have nonetheless yielded rich finds, including iron and bronze weapons, jewellery made of gold, silver and copper, an abundance of pottery, as well as bronze, silver and glass vases, terracotta figurines and coins," added Mr. Besios.

The Pieria Archaeological Department will present the rare finding during an event that is scheduled to take place at the Archaeological Museum of Dion in central Macedonia.